Stolen Fate

Chapter Thirteen - Stalkers

Chapter Thirteen

Stalkers

“So, tell me something,” Lucas urged as he shoved a fry in his mouth. Not bothering to chew and swallow before continuing, “You able to turn the volume off and on at will?”

Krishna had been successful in avoiding all wolf conversation since they entered the joint and ordered. She wasn’t interesting in picking up now. She took a sip of her Coke, and rose to her feet. “I’m actually feeling pretty tired, Lucas, so I think I’m gonna head back.”

“Oh,” he said as he rose to his feet. “I can walk you.”

She shook her head. “I was kinda thinking of going it alone. This was -,” she paused, unable to find the right word to describe the situation. Lucas smiled. “Try calling next time, stalker boy,” she said with a pat on his shoulder as she walked past him to the trash barrel.

He spun around, “You’re number?”

She smiled. “Stalker implies you will figure that out eventually.”

* * *

Riley had expressed a high level of restraint not to enter the pizzeria and interrupt their conversation. Of course, it probably helped that the topic was general, nothing out of friendship ordinary. Still, as soon as Krishna emerged with the pup, it was a relief to see the pair go off opposite directions.

Self-control was something Riley never cared to express. He acted much more on instinct in the moment, which was one main reason much of the Court insisted he’d fail this mission. One other thing Riley did was go out of his way to prove others wrong ... so, he was pleased with himself when the pup rounded the corner. No longer with visual, he turned to follow after Krishna.

Krishna couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched, having been feeling that way since the day she entered the truck stop. It was true she often made heads turn, but this felt like something else entirely and it was beginning to wear on her senses, creating something of a paranoia that she fought hard against. She had initially thought it was Lucas, but sitting and talking with him had done more than appease his need to see her. She was able to read him; get a better understanding to his intent. And though she wasn’t happy with what she uncovered, she never picked up on anything that would deem him anything worse than a menace.

So who then was watching her? She hadn’t a clue. Whoever, or whatever, it was, they were keeping a distance that made it difficult for her to pinpoint their location and intention.

By the time she reached the hotel, she was antsy. Creepy crawlies were covering her skin and she was eager to rid them with a hot shower.

Closing the bathrooms door, she stripped out of her clothes and climbed into the steamy heat. Instantly, she felt much of her worries wash away with the lavender soap the hotel provided.

Outside the room, Riley stood in waiting. How much longer could he continue his plan to stay away? Obviously, by leaning his forehead against the door, eyes closed, picturing through her mind the feel of the water, the scent of the soap, the tranquility the heat offered, he was not doing a good job.

A hotel maid exited the elevator and pushed a cart of supplies in his direction. With an exaggerated sigh, Riley pulled his head away and backed a step, only to place his hand on the door instead.

“Can I help you, Sir?” The maid asked as she wheeled her cart closer.

Riley opened his eyes and looked over at the woman; his hand dropping from the door.

“Are you locked out?”

Riley smiled; the idea of claiming yes was intriguing. “No, this is a friend’s room, not mine. Thank you.”